Books, Grants, Summer Camp, Outreach, Special Events

The Delaware Heritage Commission publishes books about the history and heritage of Delaware.  The Commission also follows a mandate from the Delaware General Assembly to reprint important out-of-print Delaware books.

Provide grants to individuals and groups studying various aspects of First State history and heritage.  The Commission has two grant programs: Challenge Grants for groups and McKinstry Awards for individuals.

The Heritage Commission sponsors two summer camp programs.  The Hands On Heritage Camp is a weeklong program, approximately 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.  It is for boys and girls ages 11-13.  The Hands On Heritage Advanced Camp is for high school aged students and offers two programs, June 21-25 is a Civil War theme week at Fort Delaware and August 2-6 is a World War II week at Cape Henlopen State Park   Advanced Camps are held in cooperation with Delaware State Parks. 

The Commission supports the collection of oral histories by providing a listing of over 1,500 Delawareans who have had their memories recorded on tape.  We also host an oral history training seminar each spring.

The Commission hosts special events in celebration of Delaware history.   In 2002 we sponsored the 225th anniversary of the Battle of Cooch's Bridge with an encampment, two reenactments, and a lecture program.  Our annual event is The Delaware Book Fair and Authors Day.

The Commission provides outreach services to school and groups throughout the state.  Give us a call, we'll be happy to assist you.